Cargill Invests $113M to Add Cocoa Processing Capacity

American agribusiness Cargill is dedicating $113 million to boost production at two cocoa powder processing facilities in Africa, the company announced in a release Wednesday. 

$100 million will be used to increase capacity at the firm’s plant in Yopougon, Ivory Coast by 50%. A “significant share” of the funds will be used to improve the site’s production capabilities for Gerkens brand cocoa powders, according to Cargill. The Ivory Coast investment is expected to create 85 new full-time jobs. An investment of $13 million will be used to add capacity at the company’s processing plant in Tema, Ghana for high value cocoa powders.

“We aim to shift a greater share of our global grinding activities to the countries of origin, so we can support the establishment of a broader, local agri-food industry,” Lionel Soulard, managing director of Cargill West-Africa, said in a statement. “Working directly with both governments and other key stakeholders, we are committed to economic growth, building sustainable local businesses, and diversifying sources of income for cocoa farming communities.”

In addition, Cargill said it intends to invest $7.7 million in Ivory Coast and $3.4 million in Ghana in programs that support the safety and well-being of children and families in locations used for cocoa production and offer transparency and traceability in its supply chain. 

“Alongside this we also recognize the best way to safeguard cocoa is to improve the livelihoods and well-being of farmers and their communities. The best way to achieve sustainable business practices is by working through partnerships with governments and other stakeholders who know what works for their local communities,” Aedo van der Weij, managing director of Cargill’s cocoa and chocolate business in Ghana, said in the release. “That way, both parties can do what they do best and together achieve a real transformation.”

Cargill revealed plans this September to increase production of reduced-sugar chocolate at its plant in Mouscron, Belgium. The expansion will include dosing systems that will enable Cargill to lower sugar levels over time, allowing companies to include a sugar reduction claim on their packaging. Cargill will also add capabilities to use a variety of sugar replacers. 

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